EdTech 541: Relative Advantage
of using Technology to Teach STEM
Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics course is an abstract, project based course that allows instructors to seamlessly integrate technology into the curriculum. Students know that there are forces everywhere and that everything is designed. That doesn't mean that they know how things are invented and designed, or how forces work. This is where technology plays a key role in the STEM classroom.
One of the relative advantages of using technology in the STEM classroom is that it allows students to use software that is being used in the industry. Autodesk, Inc. is a leader in 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software. (autodesk.com) Autodesk has since made all of their products free for schools and educational institute to use. This has allowed engineering students to access software that is currently being used by engineers everyday.
Technology has always been here with this generation of children. Students are "plugged in" more than ever. Technology is engaging and motivational to students already, it's up to educators to use that to their advantage. Technology can be used to connect students to worlds they may never experience. The use of virtual tours, simulations, and rapid prototyping machines brings the industry into the classroom. This will bring in community involvement into your school which always helps out students.
References:
http://www.autodesk.com/company
Roblyer, M.D. (2016). Integrating educational technology into teaching (7th Ed.) Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc.
Hi James,
ReplyDeleteYou made a great point about how in STEM classrooms, students are using software that is used by adults in the work world to produce and create items. This is definitely a relative advantage of technology in these types of classes. You also pointed out how technology is used to "connect students to worlds they may never experience." This is something that I also pointed out in my blog post, as I have chosen to focus on technology integration in the social studies content area. Virtual tours and simulations are definitely a way for students to visit places and historical events that they would never otherwise see. Thank you for your post! - Norm
James,
ReplyDeleteI like your statement of “the use of virtual tours, simulations, and rapid prototyping machines brings the industry into the classroom.” This adds the authentic component to the class that can make it more engaging. Quite often in the early part of the semester I find myself explaining why I am teaching a concept. This explanation can range from it being a required concept or component to the “there was an accident this was found as a contributing factor” explanation. But after a short while, I have made my point through exercises in class that refer to what has happened in industry. Additionally, your concluding statement of community involvement is something that I would like to further expand in my classroom. This adds to connecting the course material to the real world. Scott